Date: 6/28/02
Dear Friends, Summer, 2002
We're still at the crossroads, with the Governor stating that he will make an announcement this summer. It is important - for the park's future and for us to fully enjoy the park and focus on positive projects - to get as many citizen opinions to him as possible - and strongly urge him to not back down from totally terminating NJ's contract with the LSP Development Corp. (DC).
Please see the bottom of this letter, entitled "Citizen Action", and please pass the end of the letter on to your email list.
The Governor is reported to be under heavy backroom pressure from the DC's "fat cat" and political power broker allies to prevent its termination. The Governor's choice is to listen to the clear voice of the People or to cave in to those who would subvert the democratic purposes of this land neighboring Lady. Liberty. People around the state who have been fighting commercialization for all or part of the last 26 years - 16 years against the DC's plans - are looking to him to do what's clearly the right thing.
The Governor can be a park champion or he can be a collaborator with the park's internal enemy. Though the vast majority has always supported a free, open space state park, the DC has arrogantly and obscenely pushed to commercialize and privatize this great green oasis which is a priceless spiritual resource.
If the Gov. gets rid of the DC, the bells of freedom will ring from Liberty State Park and the Statue's torch will burn brighter. We'll have a new day, which will be highlighted by the blossoming of the 190 acre nature preserve with trails and its 60 acre open space perimeter. The DEP, the Interdisciplinary Planning Committee, (which the Friends is represented on) and the public will guide the park in the right direction.
As Sup't. Steve Ellis wrote, "LSP is a common ground with uncommon potential. Liberty Park has the ability to engage people's imaginations via their experience with its open green space, its access to the river, its heritage as a transportation and immigration center and its people."
Sam Pesin Michel Cuillerier Eliza Wright Eleanor Traina Mildred Shapiro
pres. 1st vice-pres. 2nd vice-pres. secretary treasurer
CITIZEN ACTION TO URGE THE GOV. TO END THE DEV.CORP.
1. Please call Governor McGreevey: 973-648-2640 or 609-292-6000
2. If you haven't already written to the Governor, please send him a message such as the one below.
Please pass this on to your e-mail list. Thanks for everything you do.
The Governor's website E-mail form is at www.state.nj.us/governor/govmail.html
Dear Governor James E. McGreevey,
I strongly urge you to protect Liberty State Park and NJ Taxpayers by terminating the State's relationship with the LSP Development Corporation which has caused many grassroots battles against their commercialization and privatization plans. Please don't back down.